BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Sabres defenseman Henrik Tallinder has a
broken left arm and will miss the rest of the playoffs.
Coach Lindy Ruff announced the news following practice Thursday,
a day after Tallinder was hurt in Buffalo's 4-3 win over Carolina
in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final series.
The Sabres lead the Hurricanes 2-1 in the series that resumes at
Buffalo on Friday.
"You feel terrible for Henrik. He's played tremendous but now
he won't be part of the ride," Ruff said.
Tallinder was hurt with about 6 minutes left during what Ruff
described as an innocent collision in Buffalo's zone.
Tallinder has been one of Buffalo's steadiest defenseman. He has
two goals and six assists in 14 playoff games. He and defensive
partner Toni Lydman also lead all players with a plus-14 plus-minus
ranking.
The Sabres are already down two defensemen: Teppo Numminen, who's listed day to day with a groin strain, and Dmitri Kalinin
(left ankle). Buffalo is also playing without playmaking center Tim Connolly, who's missed six games with a possible concussion.
Ruff said he's considering converting rookie center Jason Pominville into a defenseman. Pominville plays the point on
Buffalo's power play. Another option is using Doug Janik, who
struggled in Buffalo's 4-3 loss in Game 2, or trying rookie Nathan Paetsch, who made his NHL debut by appearing in one game with the
Sabres this season.
Numminen said he's still not sure whether he'll be able to play,
saying he didn't skate Thursday to continue resting the injury.
"We're going to see tomorrow," Numminen said. "Hopefully it
feels good. It's that kind of injury where you can play or you
can't, there's nothing in between."
Numminen was disappointed by Tallinder's injury.
"After the goalie, that's maybe the last guy you want to see getting injured," Numminen said. "I'm out and to see him go down,
he's been playing great for us. He's been our best player the whole
playoffs."